Recent advancements in lightweight high entropy alloys – A comprehensive review

Abstract

Current advancements in technology enables the enhancement and refinement of alloys to address the demands of expanding industrial applications. High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) are a developing class of alloys displaying unique and advanced mechanical, tribological, thermal stability, and corrosion properties. HEAs have unpredictable structures and compositions displaying enhanced performance and characteristics. Unique microstructures can be achieved through multi-principal elements and HEAs usually outperform conventionally made alloys. Lightweight HEAs (LWHEAs) are a category of HEAs with alloy density less than 6 g/cm3 and are potentially applicable in the automobile and aerospace industries. The superior characteristics make LWHEAs an extremely interesting space for research. Recent research has focused on effective manufacturing methods for processing alloys, coatings, and surface modifications. The current work discusses a comprehensive review of fabrication processes, mechanical, tribological, and corrosion behavior of LWHEAs. The review also highlights the future scope of research and directions for designing LWHEAs. The results of the article provide crucial information to researchers and pioneers exploring LWHEAs.

Keywords

• Lightweight high entropy alloy
• Microstructural characterization
• Mechanical properties
• Wear properties
• Applications